Learning is self-directed.
Learning develops over time and is continuous.
Learning grows through collaboration.
Learning requires reflection.
Learning should be archived and shared with others. Learning is fun.
The Solution to the Problem:
Teach students to employ autonomy and develop mastery with projects.
Highlight creativity and innovation as 21st-century skills
Improve engagement of students in learning throughout the curriculum
Change the culture of the school to recapture a love of learning
Raise the bar -- teach students and teachers to expect more from their educational experience
Make the process transparent through regular postings and reflections online
Develop a 21st-centuryized curriculum throughout the school
Curriculum Goals by Grade:
6th
Focus:
Tools needed: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Skills needed: Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 5-7 minutes
Small group projects to be uploaded on Chinquapin site (1 for the year)
Students see (collect?) examples of great projects created by kids based on their own interests.
7th
Focus:
Tools needed: 6th grade tools +iphoto, podcasting, garageband
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 7-9 minutes
Small group projects to be uploaded on Chinquapin site (1 for the year)
Fall: Students follow a successful project, comment on pros and cons, provide feedback
Spring: Students design a project plan to implement in 8th grade
8th
Focus:
Tools needed:6th & 7th +imovie, blogging
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 8-10 minutes
Individual project to be uploaded on Chinquapin site (1 per semester-charting all successes and failures)
Fall:Students review the project plan from 7th grade and begin researching to implement. Fall presentation will count 10% toward final grade in a class. Midterm?
Spring:Mini-project used for evaluating admission to high school. Spring presentation will count 20% toward final grade in a class. Final?
9th
Focus:
Tools needed: Exploring, Creating a Personal Learning Network, Testing Ideas
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 9-11 minutes
Organize one class trip/project-students get in groups and are in charge.
Project presentations-February
10th
Focus:
Tools needed: Research, Assembling a Team of Experts
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 10-12 minutes
Organize one volunteer/community service event -students get in groups and are in charge.
Project presentations-March
11th
Focus: Creating a "Draft" Project, Gathering Feedback, Revision
Tools needed:
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 11-13 minutes plus have a mock Q and A with classmates
Begin to define project in Juniors' Leadership Retreat (for next year)
Select Advisory Panel
Students work on projects in Creativity Week
Project presentations-April
12th
Focus: Synthesis
Tools needed:
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 12-15 minutes with Q and A session from panel
Capstone Course + Tech Apps II
Students work on projects in Creativity Week (or lead Creativity Week groups based on their projects)
End classes after last AP exam, work independently on projects until Presentation Week (prior to graduation)
Project presentations-May
Basic Principles of 21st-Century Learning
Learning is self-directed.Learning develops over time and is continuous.
Learning grows through collaboration.
Learning requires reflection.
Learning should be archived and shared with others.
Learning is fun.
The Solution to the Problem:
Curriculum Goals by Grade:
6th
Focus:
Tools needed: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Skills needed: Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 5-7 minutes
Small group projects to be uploaded on Chinquapin site (1 for the year)
Students see (collect?) examples of great projects created by kids based on their own interests.
7th
Focus:
Tools needed: 6th grade tools +iphoto, podcasting, garageband
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 7-9 minutes
Small group projects to be uploaded on Chinquapin site (1 for the year)
Fall: Students follow a successful project, comment on pros and cons, provide feedback
Spring: Students design a project plan to implement in 8th grade
8th
Focus:
Tools needed:6th & 7th +imovie, blogging
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 8-10 minutes
Individual project to be uploaded on Chinquapin site (1 per semester-charting all successes and failures)
Fall:Students review the project plan from 7th grade and begin researching to implement. Fall presentation will count 10% toward final grade in a class. Midterm?
Spring:Mini-project used for evaluating admission to high school. Spring presentation will count 20% toward final grade in a class. Final?
9th
Focus:
Tools needed: Exploring, Creating a Personal Learning Network, Testing Ideas
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 9-11 minutes
Organize one class trip/project-students get in groups and are in charge.
Project presentations-February
10th
Focus:
Tools needed: Research, Assembling a Team of Experts
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 10-12 minutes
Organize one volunteer/community service event -students get in groups and are in charge.
Project presentations-March
11th
Focus: Creating a "Draft" Project, Gathering Feedback, Revision
Tools needed:
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 11-13 minutes plus have a mock Q and A with classmates
Begin to define project in Juniors' Leadership Retreat (for next year)
Select Advisory Panel
Students work on projects in Creativity Week
Project presentations-April
12th
Focus: Synthesis
Tools needed:
Skills needed:Getting in front of a group and successfully present for 12-15 minutes with Q and A session from panel
Capstone Course + Tech Apps II
Students work on projects in Creativity Week (or lead Creativity Week groups based on their projects)
End classes after last AP exam, work independently on projects until Presentation Week (prior to graduation)
Project presentations-May